The new Free TV code that will allow M-rated programs to air earlier is facing resistance from the Federal Government backbench. Under the new code which comes into effect on 1 December, programs rated M will be able to start from 7:30pm, an hour earlier than the current rule, and films or programs rated MA15+ will be able to be to be broadcast on free-to-air channels from 8:30pm instead of 9pm.

Liberal MP Rowan Ramsey is among a group of Coalition MPs who are opposing the changes and who are meeting a representative from Free TV in Canberra today.He said he had strong support from his Coalition colleagues and was calling on Free TV to withdraw the new code before it starts.